A Christian Scientist is an individual whose consciousness is so touched by the truth, so liberated and purified, that he is declaring himself on the side of good, of reality, in all circumstances. And this intelligent affirmation and persistent declaration depends upon realization,—reflection,—for God is seen to be All-in-all. Also this correct mental work so identifies him with reality in all of its modes and manifestations that, conversely, he comes out from the general identification of mortal mind with its limitations and fears. He finds before him an open door that can never be shut, and fears not to enter and go forward.
With this increased spiritual understanding come greater responsibilities. He appreciates what our Leader says in "Christian Healing"(p. 1), "But Heaven's favors are formidable: they are calls to higher duties, not discharge from care." And each succeeding step of progress opens the way for manifold opportunities for doing good. He looks out and sees tired humanity groaning under burdens self-imposed and unnecessary, but seemingly inevitable. He gladly offers the cup of cold water in the name of God and His Christ, even though at times it may be misunderstood and refused. This is his cross, and as he takes it up and bears it the crown is won.
He joyfully sees that as he resolutely locates good in consciousness —purifies his own thought—he is helping to lift the thought of the world. When an emergency arises he knows the one and only answer is the supreme fact that God is the only Mind, ever present and available, and courageously proves it then and there. He is awake to the subtleties of evil in its many attenuations, and is not deceived by them. Whether it is time in millions of ages, counterfeiting eternity; whether it is space in billions of leagues, counterfeiting infinity; or whether it is duality in the innumerable subtleties of false creation, counterfeiting God's creation in the imaging forth of the compound idea—his thought transcends it. He knows that as long as consciousness dwells in dimensions it is limited and bounded; that a limit is a limit, whether it is the back fence or a billion miles. And the effort of mortal mind to convince by extending its circle is futile. His thought is dwelling in the undimensional, in reality, and only in this "secret place of the most High" can he find rest and peace and joy.
